Orion Multimedia, the world's largest producer of outdoor adventure television, just spent the week with El Pescador on Ambergris Caye to film the series which will air on The Outdoor Channel in January 2011.

The “Buccaneers and Bones” series features the anglers' passion for fishing and the camaraderie they share as they search for answers on how to safeguard our environment. In addition to fishing the famed salt water flats of Belize, these notables are fishing for answers, too. How can we save our last great coastal environments? It's a question that has been the heart of Bonefish and Tarpon Trust's mission since 1998, and is being pursued by some of the world's top scientists.

Orion Multimedia was particularly interested in filming in Belize due to our newly legislated “catch and release” law. El Pescador's involvement with Bonefish and Tarpon Trust regarding bonefish tagging, as well as the research Green Reef is doing regarding sport fish habitat and trying to protect critical areas from development, made the lodge a natural partner.

While on Ambergris Caye the group enjoyed flats fishing for tarpon, permit and bonefish with El Pescador’s legendary Guides. In addition to landing many bonefish and tarpon, we also satellite tagged a tarpon in order to learn more about this magnificent and ancient species (the first satellite tag deployed near Ambergris Caye). While they had many “follows”, the elusive permit avoided our camera which was disappointing. And Tropic Storm Alex’s arrival necessitated an early departure.

The talent enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by Amy Knox of Wild Mangos featuring the many ways we utilize the coconut. She began with coco-mojitos and ended with a coconut tart drizzled with our own local Kakaw dark chocolate. Chef Jeff from Rojo Lounge also entertained them with a magnificent meal prepared using 100% local Belizean ingredients, the starring ingredient was chaya.

Alonzo Flota, from Under da Sea, took them for a memorable snorkeling trip to our own Hol Chan Marine Reserve. They returned raving about the beauty of our Barrier Reef and abundance of our marine life.

Our Honorable Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Culture, Manuel Heredia Jr. gave a very interesting interview regarding how he grew up on Ambergris Caye as a commercial fisherman, his time at the fishing co-op and his passion and understanding of fishing. Also discussed was the Minister’s involvement in helping to pass the catch and release legislation to protect bonefish, tarpon and permit as game fish – demonstrating Belize’s commitment to protecting our natural resources to ensure the livelihood of future generations.

Aaron Adams, a scientist from Bonefish and Tarpon Trust, gave a fascinating and educational presentation to the children of our island entitled “healthy habitats = healthy prey = healthy bonefish.” He discussed the importance of protecting our mangroves, shoals and sea grass beds in order to preserve habitat for marine species.

El Pescador would like to thank the Belize Tourism Board whose generous financial support gave Belize the unprecedented opportunity to host Orion multimedia and the filming of the “Buccaneers and Bones” series.

“We would also like to thank Tropic Air who provided complimentary transportation which was made especially challenging due to TS Alex; Tropic Air’s professionalism and attention to detail insured a seamless arrival and departure experience for all. We would also like to show appreciation to Wild Mangos, Rojo Lounge, Under da Sea and the Island Academy. Most notably we would like to thank El Pescador’s Guides and Staff who make Belize proud; their hard work and enthusiasm are what makes Belize such a unique and special destination.”

Ambergris Today

El Pescador hosts Stars

The stars and El Pescador personnel

Keaton on the bow

Keaton and Browkaw fish with Captain Cesar

As any proud Belizean will say, Belize is a destination like no other. We have hosted millions of visitors over the years. There are any number of customers who keep coming back for the nature, beauty, friendly people, and fun activities that we offer. One such activity is fly fishing, and this past week Ambergris Caye was host to some heavy weights in the entertainment industry as they filmed “Buccaneers and Bones”. El Pescador (Lodge) was chosen from three locations in Belize to host Orion Multimedia, Michael Keaton actor/director, Tom Brokaw news anchor/author, Yvon Chouninard founder Patagonia, Bill Klyn director Bonefish and Tarpon Trust, Zach Gilford actor, Thomas McGuane acclaimed author, Lori-Ann Murphy director of fishing at El Pescador, and Aaron Adams, scientist, Bonefish and Tarpon Trust. According to Ali Flota of El Pescador, this was the “Coup de grace of fly fishing”, and truly an honor.

Having lobbied for Ambergris Caye to host the group, Ali highlighted the variety of activities available on Ambergris Caye, which of course includes a lot more than fishing. According to Ali, BTB was instrumental in securing this prime TV opportunity, as Belize was chosen over Florida and Mexico for the film. With the generous support of Honorable Manuel Heredia Jr. and BTB, Orion Multimedia chose to focus on Belize.

There will be anywhere between five and seven episodes to be featured on the Outdoor Channel and all episodes are about Belize, focusing on the stars’ camaraderie, fishing and conservation, while at El Pescador and Belize River Lodge, where the cast and crew stayed for two day as well. Ali told The San Pedro Sun that everyone wants to come back, having been impressed with Ambergris Caye! Kudos to El Pescador, BTB and Honorable Heredia, for their efforts to keep Belize’s name in the spotlight!

Below, find a Press Release from El Pescador Lodge which details the activities that took place during the group’s stay:

Orion Multimedia, the world’s largest producer of outdoor adventure television, just spent the week with El Pescador on Ambergris Caye to film the series which will air on the Outdoor Channel in January 2011. The “Buccaneers and Bones” series features the anglers’ passion for fishing and the camaraderie they share as they search for answers on how to safeguard our environment. In addition to fishing the famed salt water flats of Belize, these notables are fishing for answers, too. How can we save our last great coastal environments? It’s a question that has been the heart of Bonefish and Tarpon Trust’s mission since 1998, and is being pursued by some of the world’s top scientists.
Orion Multimedia was particularly interested in filming in Belize due to our newly legislated “catch and release” law. El Pescador’s involvement with Bonefish and Tarpon Trust regarding bonefish tagging as well as the research Green Reef is doing regarding sport fish habitat and trying to protect critical areas from development made the lodge a natural partner.

While on Ambergris Caye the group enjoyed flats fishing for tarpon, permit and bonefish with El Pescador’s legendary guides. In addition to landing many bonefish and tarpon, we also satellite tagged a tarpon in order to learn more about this magnificent and ancient species (the first satellite tag deployed near Ambergris Caye). While they had many “follows”, the elusive permit avoided our camera which was disappointing. And Tropic Storm Alex’s arrival necessitated an early departure.

The talent enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by Amy Knox of Wild Mangos featuring the many ways we utilize the coconut. She began with coco-mohitos and ended with a coconut tart drizzled with our own local kakaw dark chocolate. Chef Jeff from Rojo Lounge also entertained them with a magnificent meal prepared using 100% local Belizean ingredients, the starring ingredient was chaya.

Alonzo Flota, from Under da Sea, took them for a memorable snorkeling trip to our own Hol Chan Marine Reserve. They returned raving about the beauty of our barrier reef and abundance of our marine life.
Our Honorable Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Culture, Manuel Heredia Jr, gave a very interesting interview regarding how he grew up on Ambergris Caye as a commercial
fisherman, his time at the fishing co-op and his passion and understanding of fishing. Also discussed was the Minister’s involvement in helping to pass the catch and release legislation to protect bonefish, tarpon and permit as game fish – demonstrating Belize’s commitment to protecting our natural resources to ensure the livelihood of future generations.

Aaron Adams, a scientist from Bonefish and Tarpon Trust, gave a fascinating and educational presentation to the children of our island entitled “healthy habitats = healthy prey = healthy bonefish.” He discussed the importance of protecting our mangroves, shoals and sea grass beds in order to preserve habitat for marine species.

El Pescador would like to thank the Belize Tourism Board whose generous financial support gave Belize the unprecedented opportunity to host Orion multimedia and the filming of the “Buccaneers and Bones” series. We would also like to thank Tropic Air who provided complimentary transportation which was made especially challenging due to TS Alex; Tropic Air’s professionalism and attention to detail insured a seamless arrival and departure experience for all. We would also like to show appreciation to Wild Mangos, Rojo Lounge, Under da Sea and the Island Academy. Most notably we would like to thank El Pescador’s guides and staff who make Belize proud; their hard work and enthusiasm are what makes Belize such a unique and special destination.

El Pescador Lodge in San Pedro has been hosting the filming of a new movie, “Buccaneers and Bones” featuring Michael Keaton actor turned director.

Tom Brokaw, news anchor and CBC and author, Yvon Chouninard, the founder of Patagonia, Bill Klyn, director Bonefish and Tarpon Trust, Zach Guilford actor, Thomas McGuane, author, Lori-Ann Murphy, Director of fishing at El Pescador, and Aaron Adams, scientist Bonefish and Tarpon Trust, and Orion Multimedia, the world’s largest producer of outdoor adventure television, are all part of the production team and were at El Pescador on Ambergris Caye for the filming of the series which will air on The Outdoor Channel in January 2011.

The “Buccaneers and Bones” series features the angler’s passion for fishing and the camaraderie they share as they search for answers on how to safeguard the environment. In addition to fishing the famed salt water flats of Belize, these notables are fishing for answers, too.

How can we save our last great coastal environments? It’s a question that has been at the heart of Bonefish and Tarpon Trust’s mission since 1998, and is being pursued by some of the world’s top scientists.

Orion Multimedia was particularly interested in filming in Belize due to the newly legislated “catch and release” law.

El Pescador’s involvement with the Trust regarding bonefish tagging, as well as the research Green Reef is doing regarding sport fish habitat and trying to protect critical areas from development, made the lodge a natural partner.

While on Ambergris Caye, the group enjoyed flats fishing for tarpon, permit and bonefish with El Pescador’s legendary fishing guides. In addition to landing many bonefish and tarpon, they also satellite tagged a tarpon in order to learn more about this magnificent and ancient species (the first satellite tag deployed near Ambergris Caye).

While they had many follows, the elusive permit avoided the team’s camera, which was disappointing.,and Tropical Storm Alex’s arrival called for an early departure.

The team enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by Amy Knox of Wild Mangos, featuring the many ways Belizeans use the coconut. She began with coco-mojitos and ended with a coconut tart drizzled with Belizean Kakaw dark chocolate. Chef Jeff from Rojo Lounge also pleased his guests with a magnificent meal prepared using 100% local Belizean ingredients, starring chaya.

Alonzo Flota, from Under da Sea, took the team for a memorable snorkeling trip to Hol Chan Marine Reserve, and his guests returned raving about the beauty of the Barrier Reef and abundance of marine life.Minister of Tourism, Manuel Heredia Jr. described how he grew up on Ambergris Caye as a commercial fisherman, his time at the fishing co-op and his passion and understanding of fishing. He also discussed his involvement in helping to pass the Catch and Release legislation to protect bonefish, tarpon and permit as game fish, demonstrating Belize’s commitment to protect its natural resources and ensure the livelihood of future generations.

Aaron Adams, a scientist from the Trust, gave an educational presentation to the children of the island entitled “healthy habitats = healthy prey = healthy bonefish.”

He discussed the importance of protecting the mangroves, shoals and sea grass beds in order to preserve habitat for marine species.

El Pescador Lodge is grateful to the Belize Tourism Board for its generous financial support to host Orion multimedia and the filming of the “Buccaneers and Bones” series.

Thanks also to Tropic Air, Wild Mangos, Rojo Lounge, Under da Sea and the Island Academy and the staff and guides of El Pescador Lodge.

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Buccaneers and Bones

Formerly on ESPN2, "Buccaneers and Bones" is presented in partnership with the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT) and features a collection of luminary anglers including Tom Brokaw, Michael Keaton, Zach Gilford, Patagonia outdoor clothing company founder Yvon Chouinard, saltwater angling pioneer Lefty Kreh, and acclaimed photographer R. Valentine Atkinson. The series will be narrated by Brokaw and will explore the wonders of bone fishing and tarpon fishing through the eyes of this all-star cast who have each devoted a significant part of their lives to conservation causes. The cast sets off from San Pedro Island in Belize and head into the famed turquoise flats of Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker and Whipray Caye in pursuit of three legendary species: bonefish, tarpon and permit. Along the way, viewers will be activated to do their part to preserve these species so that future generations can experience all that these great game fish have to offer.